What Is an Eye Ulcer?

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The eye is one of the most fantastic features of most animal life on Earth. This organ is powerful and has developed in a variety of ways to help different species see in all sorts of conditions. For humans, who rely heavily on sight to go through daily operations, the eyes are as much of a help as a hindrance. Modern devices and genetics have led to a majority of people requiring glasses or other accessories in order to see properly. What’s worse, there are also a number of serious conditions that impact the health and integrity of the eyes.

An eye ulcer is one of the most common and serious problems you are likely to encounter with your eye. Also known as a corneal ulcer, this is a condition to stay aware of so that you know when it is time to visit a medical professional.

1. What Is a Corneal Ulcer?

Plainly speaking, a corneal ulcer is an open sore found on the surface of the eye. The cornea is a layer of clear tissue that sits over the eye. The main function of the cornea is to act as a protective layer for the eye, blocking environmental irritants and filtering light. Though the cornea is quite strong and able to shield the sensitive parts of the eye from common bacteria and toxins, it is also susceptible to damage. An eye ulcer occurs when the cornea is infected and leads to erosion of the layer of tissue.

There are a number of causes of corneal ulcers. No matter the specific cause, it is important to take action right away. Left untreated for too long, an ulcer of this severity can lead to permanent damage to the eye and even loss of vision.